The most important issue of this period…

The most important issue of this period is Bulgaria's changing relationship with Russia.

Bulgarian hostility towards the Russian army, refusal to build a strategic railway for the Russians through Bulgaria, and poor relations between Prince Alexander and Tsar Alexander III of Russia all contribute to increasing alienation.

Because conservative Russia now fears unrest in the Balkans, Karavelov tries to appease the tsar by quelling the uprisings that continue in Macedonia.

Radical factions in Bulgaria are persuaded to lower their goals from annexation of Macedonia and Thrace to a union between Bulgaria and Eastern Rumelia.

When a bloodless coup achieves this union in 1885, however, Russia demands the ouster of Prince Alexander and withdraws all Russian officers from the Bulgarian army.

Greece and Serbia see their interests threatened, and the latter declares war on Bulgaria.